Lahore: The Centre for Public Policy & Governance recently held its Fall Conference on Social Policies in Punjab on October 27-28, 2026, bringing together a diverse group of academics, policymakers, government representatives, and civil society stakeholders to deliberate on the current social policy challenges and explore pathways for effective policy formulation in Punjab.

According to Forman Christian College, the conference commenced with a focus on interfaith harmony and human rights, presenting the Drafts of Interfaith Harmony Policy and Punjab Human Rights Policy 2027-36 formulated by the Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department. The initial day's session included a presentation by Naseer John and Asif Naeem, followed by a discussion among stakeholders from government and civil society, providing a forum for exchanging ideas on human rights, interfaith relations, and the role of institutional frameworks.

The second day of the conference addressed various social policy challenges in Punjab, beginning with a panel on education and youth employability. Presentations by Ayesha Saddiqua, Muhammad Haseeb, Dr. Sara Rizvi Jafree, and Mirza Akbar Hussain facilitated discussions on education, skills development, and youth employment prospects in the region.

Another panel on population, poverty, and health featured insights from Dr. Samreen Khalil, Dr. Mubasher Iqbal, and Sarah Javaid, focusing on the interconnected nature of these challenges and the importance of coordinated policy responses.

The conference concluded with a session led by Ms. Saman Rai, Secretary of the Women Development Department, followed by networking opportunities for participants. The event emphasized the significance of evidence-based policymaking, institutional collaboration, and inclusive approaches to address Punjab's social development challenges.